Predicting the NBA MVP Race for 2017-2018

Last NBA season featured one of the most exciting MVP races in NBA history, with Mr. Triple Double himself Russell Westbrook ultimately taking home the honors. Trailing close behind James Harden, a scary weapon in a Mike D’Antoni coached system, Kawhi Leonard, who was the best two-way player in the league last season (not named LeBron of course), and James, who has been a fixture in the MVP race every year for going on a decade. With all the moves made during the off-season, the front-runners are a less clear, and that lack of clarity should make for yet another thrilling MVP race during the 2017-2018 season. With training camp and preseason underway, it is time to look at the front-runners and potential dark horses in this year’s MVP race.

• Front-runners

o LeBron James – Cleveland Cavaliers

Another season, and another year where LeBron is the undisputed best player in the NBA. LeBron will have to shoulder a heavier load early on in the season with Kyrie Irving gone, and Isaiah Thomas out until at least the all-star break. LeBron is bound to slow down eventually (maybe), but Cleveland will need him to play like prime LeBron to stay even with the Celtics out East until his support is fully healthy. The only thing that scares me about Bron’s odds is the potential for Lue to limit his minutes (as he should) when he gets the chance to.

o Kawhi Leonard – San Antonio Spurs

Leonard was nothing short of incredible during his first season in the AD (After Duncan era). He is a stalwart defensively and has turned into one of the most dominant offensive wing players in recent memory. San Antonio is getting older, but they are still going to win a lot of games and Kawhi will be most responsible for those W’s. Kawhi is one of the most reserved players in the league. If he continues to improve like he has from season to season since entering the league, we may have one of the drier acceptance speeches ever. His play on the court is plenty exciting enough to make up for that.

o Giannis Antetokounmpo – Milwaukee Bucks

The Greek Freak made one of the bigger leaps in the NBA last season, going from a player with massive potential to one of the best players in the league. However, the scariest part is that Giannis is just starting to scratch the surface of his potential. He will once again be manning the point guard position for the Bucks and will lead a team that has an opportunity to play itself into home court advantage in the Eastern Conference. If Milwaukee can grab the 3rd seed in the Eastern Conference race it will largely be on the shoulders of Giannis and that should propel him into the thick of this season’s MVP race.

o Anthony Davis – New Orleans Pelicans

Davis is the best “young” player in the NBA and is still 2-3 years away from his prime. While the Pelicans are far from a contender (unless were discussing must watch teams on League Pass), Davis should put up some absolute monster numbers this season. Brow would need to average close to 28-14-5-2 and get the Pelicans in the playoffs to have a chance here, but would we really be all that shocked if he were able to accomplish this? I’m just keeping my fingers crossed Davis (and the rest of the league for that matter) stay healthy throughout the entirety of the season.

o Kevin Durant – Golden State Warriors

The Golden State Warriors repeating as NBA champs this season seems like the most likely outcome and Durant will once again be their best player. While the Warriors have too many weapons for Durant to be the favorite, the best player on the best team will always be a contender for the MVP award. While it is hard to envision Durant winning, leaving the 2nd best player in the league off of the MVP front-runner list does not seem right.

• Darkhorse Candidates

o Russell Westbrook- Oklahoma City Thunder

Leaving the reigning MVP off of the front-runner list seems wrong, but Westbrook should see the wins rise as his averages fall, even if just slightly. Following up only the 2nd triple double season in NBA history is going to be a hard act to follow, especially with the additions of Paul George and Carmelo Anthony. Russ is still the most exciting player in the league, and will remain among the league’s elite, but it is hard to see him repeating as the MVP in 2017-2018.

o James Harden – Houston Rockets

Harden, the runner-up last season, is another name that was tough to relegate to the dark horse section, but it will be hard to top what he did last season. With the addition of Chris Paul, Harden will be playing off the ball more than he did last season, and his usage will surely go down with someone who needs the ball as much as CP3. Harden will still be an all-star and his numbers will be eye-opening, but it would take a monumental effort, and some down years for some of the front-runners to see Harden winning the award this season.

o John Wall – Washington Wizards

Wall was one of the best players in the league over the last half of the ’16-’17 campaign and was the East’s 2nd best player by seasons end. Wall is going to put up monster numbers and average a double-double while helping to position the Wizards amongst the top half of the Eastern Conference this season. Whoever finishes higher in the East between the Wizards and the Bucks could determine who plays a role at the end of the MVP race between Wall and Giannis.

o Steph Curry – Golden State Warriors

Curry will face the same strengths (best team in the league) and weaknesses (lot of touches to go around) as his teammate Durant, but one of the two could pose an MVP case by seasons end. I would be surprised to see Curry win this award, but a top 5 player on the league’s best team is always a potential threat to take home the league’s highest individual honor. Curry will likely be okay with back-to-back championships come June of 2018.

o Jimmy Butler – Minnesota Timberwolves

Butler ‘s story is nothing short of incredible, and reuniting with Thibs and the exciting young nucleus in Minneapolis will serve as a reminder as to how good he could is. Butler will need to provide veteran leadership and help get KAT, Wiggins and company to the Western Conference playoffs. If Minnesota can make the postseason, Butler figures to be at worst a minor factor in the MVP race. While Karl Anthony Towns is likely to find his name on this list for at least a decade and change to come, this year it is Butlers time to shine.

It will be interesting to see the MVP race unfold this season, and see who steps up to claim the award in 2017-2018. The NBA may lack parity in elite teams, but it is not lacking on talent, and that should ensure incredibly tight MVP races for years to come. The NBA is in great hands from the top down, and it will be awesome to watch which players insert themselves in the MVP conversation over the next few years and beyond.